Hawks sign Rams’ Johnson on loan

Hunslet Hawks have signed prop-forward Zach Johnson on an initial one-month loan.

The 24-year-old was a Great Britain amateur tourist in 2013 and joined Swinton Lions from Shaw Cross Sharks the following year, making 23 appearances.

He moved to Dewsbury ahead of 2015 season, but did not play a senior game.

Hawks director of rugby Darren Williams said: “Zach will add plenty of size and will be a really useful recruit as we kick off League One at Rochdale this weekend.

Mark Sawyer and Glenn Morrison [Rams’ chairman and coach] have been very accommodating in allowing Zach to join us and the move will be of huge benefit to all parties as Zach needs some game time and Dewsbury need him playing regularly at a good standard.”

Williams added: “We were looking a little light for middle units as we have just released Jack Pickles due to work commitments and it looks like Jay Leary is also struggling with the same issue, added to the fact Michael Haley went to hospital at half time of Sunday’s game.

“We’re hoping it’s just precautionary with Michael as he took a whack to the face in a heavy collision.”